Honest Blog

It’s been a long time coming, but Honest Teeth has officially moved! Our new address is 15255 Watertown Plank Road, Suite 100, Elm Grove, WI 53122. With state-of-the-art technology, and the amenities to keep you and your family comfortable during each visit, our new office is a welcomed change for both returning and new patients.

It’s all thanks to you!

Thanks to the support of our loyal patients, our practice outgrew the old office and we agreed that change was in order. It took two years of searching, but we found a location that would satisfy everyone. Just off the I-94 freeway, and with plenty of parking, we’re happy to call Elm Grove home!

Creating the perfect office for patients

The new Honest Teeth office will feature all the amenities that we’ve always wanted to provide. We have a play area to entertain children during their visit, and a beverage center for all to enjoy. We’re even offering extended hours to our Dental Health Savings Club members!

And the improvements don’t end with our amenities! The larger space allows us to enhance our dental technology offerings. Cutting-edge 3D scanning technology will give us a clearer picture of your mouth, and allow us to expertly fit you for crowns, Invisalign and other dental prosthetics and appliances.

Still offering the same great care

We’re excited about our practice expansion, and remain dedicated to our fundamentals. The focus of Honest Teeth is to continue to provide expert dental and patient care. You can expect the same great service, compassionate touch and quality dentistry from Dr. Meinerz and the entire team at Honest Teeth!

Now that we’re settled in Elm Grove, we’d like to reach out to the community! If you need a new dentist, Honest Teeth will ensure you receive the treatment you deserve. Give your teeth a fresh start and visit us today!

Honest Teeth

Wisdom teeth removal is extremely common in the US. In fact, around 85% of all US adults have their wisdom teeth extracted in order to preserve their oral health. Whether you’re an adult who still has your wisdom teeth, or if your wisdom teeth are just growing in, you may be curious about what wisdom teeth do, and why they usually need to be removed.

Here at Honest Teeth, we deal with wisdom teeth regularly and can answer the common questions that you may have!

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

The term “wisdom teeth” refers to the third and final set of molars in the mouth. These molars erupt much later than the rest of your adult teeth, and typically don’t fully erupt until your late teens or early twenties.

Your wisdom teeth are natural and, when properly aligned, are not harmful. They function as a normal set of molars, and help you to chew your food. However, this is not usually the case.

Why Are Wisdom Teeth Usually Removed?

Most of the time, wisdom teeth don’t erupt correctly. Your wisdom teeth may be positioned horizontally, “crowd out” your other teeth, or have an angle that can damage adjacent teeth.

When they’re not removed, malpositioned wisdom teeth can cause:

If those seem like an issue it’s because they are! For most people, removing the wisdom teeth is the best way to ensure these problems are avoided.

Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

To answer this question, you’ll need to consult a dentist such as Dr. Max Meinerz. By taking X-rays of your head and mouth, analyzing the positioning of your teeth and your wisdom teeth, and examining your overall level of oral health, an experienced doctor like Dr. Meinerz can help you to decide whether or not to remove your wisdom teeth.

For some people, wisdom teeth will grow in normally, and the existing teeth will be able to accommodate them without excessive shifting. Other people have wisdom teeth that don’t erupt at all, so they will not require tooth extractions.

However, only an experienced dentist can provide you with the advice you need to decide whether or not to remove your wisdom teeth. Dr Max Meinerz and his team have years of experience and guidance to help you make the right decision regarding your wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth extractions are one of the most common dental procedures, and the team at Honest teeth can make a consultation or operation both safe and accessible.

With a focus on patient comfort, minimally-invasive techniques, and available conscious sedation dentistry, we cater to patients who may be afraid of tooth extractions, and provide expert patient care. We’ll give honest evaluations and work with you to make the best decision regarding your wisdom teeth.

So, if your wisdom teeth are arriving and you need expert advice, don’t wait! Contact Honest Teeth online or give us a call at (262) 784-7770 to book an appointment with Dr. Meinerz. You can also come to our office, which is located at: 15255 Watertown Plank Road Suite 100, Elm Grove, WI 53122. We look forward to seeing you!

Root canals are one of the most common oral surgeries performed in the US. According to the AAE, over 15 million root canals are performed each year. That’s a rate of nearly 41,000 per day!

But despite how common root canals are, there are still quite a few misconceptions about root canals and root canal treatment. At Honest Teeth, we’re here to help you understand the ins and outs of root canals!

What Is A Root Canal?

Root canals are quite simple. Your tooth consists of several layers of strong material, such as enamel and dentin. If this tough exterior layer is destroyed by a dental injury or serious tooth decay and cavities, the inner pulp may be exposed.

This exposed pulp can be easily infected by a variety of bacteria. These infections cause tremendous pain and tooth sensitivity.

To treat infection and prevent tooth loss, root canal therapy must be performed. In this procedure, the infected or damaged pulp is removed and replaced by an inert material. After the pulp is replaced, the tooth is restored using fillings or a dental crown.

What Happens During Root Canal Surgery?

First, Dr. Meinerz will administer a local anesthesia to the area, to ensure minimal pain and discomfort. Then, a dental dam will be applied to keep the tooth isolated from the rest of the mouth.

Dr. Meinerz will access the inside of the tooth, and remove the damaged or infected pulp from the interior of the tooth. The interior of the tooth may be reshaped, and then it will be thoroughly cleaned and dried.

Then, Dr. Meinerz fills the interior of the tooth with a inert material such as gutta percha, and close the opening of the tooth with a filling.

At your next appointment, you will be fitted for a dental crown, if necessary. This crown will cover your affected tooth and be bonded permanently, completing your root canal operation.

What Can I Expect After Surgery?

After surgery, you will likely experience some pain or tenderness in the area of your root canal treatment. This will be minor, and treatable with over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen. However, if you experience pain for more than several days, you should contact Dr. Meinerz.

If you have a temporary filling placed, take care to avoid chewing hard foods, and don’t bite or chew with the tooth until the permanent crown has been placed. Brush and floss your teeth normally.

Recovery will generally be quite fast, and most patients will feel normal within a week of finalizing their root canal treatment. Follow a normal oral care regimen, and ensure that you see Dr. Meinerz for biannual teeth cleanings and checkups, to ensure that teeth remain healthy.

Worried About Root Canals? See Dr. Max Meinerz At Honest Teeth!

If you believe you may need a root canal, or simply require general dentistry in Elm Grove, visit Honest Teeth today. Dr. Max Meinerz will provide you with root canal therapy and an expert treatment plan.

Root canals may be inconvenient and uncomfortable, but there’s no need to fear them. Root canals are the best way to restore your teeth to health, and ensure that you don’t lose a tooth due to infection.

Come to Honest Teeth today, and let Dr. Max Meinerz take care of your treatment. Whether you need basic procedures like fillings, or suspect you may require a root canal, we’re dedicated to providing fantastic dental services in Elm Grove!

Contact us at (262)784-7770 today, or come to our office at 15255 Watertown Plank Road Suite 100, Elm Grove, WI 53122. We would be happy to discuss your treatment options, and show you why Honest Teeth is the best dental practice in Elm Grove!

Whether it’s from a contact sport or an accident, for your child or yourself, it’s important to know how to handle a dental injury. You just need to remember these 3 easy steps that can increase the likelihood your tooth will be saved!

1. Stay calm and take action.

Serious dental injuries can be very painful, so it’s often hard to stay calm and collected. But it’s important to avoid panicking, and to take action to help save your tooth and maximize your chances of recovery.

Knocked out tooth – If your tooth has been knocked out completely from its socket, you need to take immediate action to save it. Recover the tooth, clean it gently with water if necessary, and replace it in the socket. Make sure it’s sitting the right way. This increases the likelihood that the tooth will survive until surgery.

Loose or displaced tooth – If you have a loose tooth or your tooth has been displaced, try to avoid touching it with your tongue. It’s best not to eat or drink until you have seen a dental specialist who can determine the severity of your injury.

Cracked or broken tooth – To maximize the chance of saving a cracked, broken or chipped tooth, you should make a dentist appointment within 12 hours of the incident at Honest Teeth and, if possible, be seen on the same day as your injury. If there is significant bleeding, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply pressure to the area with a piece of gauze. If you’re unable to see your dentist within 12 hours of the injury, you can use dental cement (available at most drugstores) to cover the tooth until your appointment.

2. Treat pain and swelling with ice and anti-inflammatories.

Over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be helpful for managing pain and reducing swelling. You should avoid the use of topical pain medications like Orajel. This will simply numb the area, and could lead to further damage. Oral swelling can also be treated with ice packs, but you should limit ice usage to the exterior of the mouth. Never place ice directly on a damaged or missing tooth.

3. See a dentist as soon as possible!

This is the most important step of all. No matter what dental injury you have suffered, it’s absolutely essential to see a dentist as soon as possible. If you can see a dentist on the same day as your injury, your chances of a full recovery are much better.

With same-day, evening and weekend availability, Dr. Meinerz of Honest Teeth works to accommodate all of life’s situations. And with his expertise and dedication to high-quality treatment, you can trust him to resolve your dental injury quickly and with care.

4. Visit Honest Teeth today!

If you’re in the Elm Grove or Milwaukee area, stop by our practice for all your dental needs! Call us at 262.784.7770 or book an appointment online today!

Years ago, it seemed as though every teenager’s smile had a glint. Metal braces were the typical mode of orthodontic treatment for straightening teeth and correcting bites. Technology has evolved in recent years to offer Invisalign, a form of orthodontic dental care that quickly and efficiently straightens teeth in a fraction of the time of traditional metal braces.

Wouldn’t it be great, though, if orthodontic care wasn’t necessary?

The Best Dentistry Is Preventive Dentistry

Did you know that starting a diligent, thorough dental care routine at a young age sets the stage for success? Solving small dental issues early--such as tongue ties-- help ensure better orthodontic alignment and a straighter smile. This can significantly reduce the chances that your child will need braces or Invisalign. And, addressing small dental issues is more cost effective than allowing them to develop into bigger, more complicated issues!

When Your Kid Needs Orthodontics

Yet even with preventive dentistry, your child or teen may need orthodontic dental care. This isn’t a sign of failure on anyone’s part---you, your child, or your dentist.

It is recommended by experts that you take your children in for an orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven, when their adult teeth begin to descend. But don’t panic: it doesn’t mean that they will need orthodontic treatment at this time!

However, it is proven that early intervention paves the way for successful straightening--and, it’s way more economical.

A Straight Smile Is Beneficial In More Ways Than One

A straighter smile isn’t only an achievement of cosmetic dentistry, it has multiple health benefits as well:

Lessens the risks for gum disease or tooth decay when teeth are easier to clean

Limits the risks for developing speech impediments such as a lisp

Reduces risks for dental injury such as a chipped tooth

Encourages healthy self-esteem and confidence in a healthy smile

Orthodontic treatment can improve your child’s speech, sleeping patterns, eating habits, and can potentially eliminate the need for dental procedures down the road.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a discreet and comfortable orthodontic treatment that gradually adjusts the smile using a series of clear, removable trays.

Using sophisticated computer software to custom design and craft your ideal aligners, your dentist can make precise adjustments to your smile over time to provide you with the smile you desire.

Why Many Prefer Invisalign Over Metal Braces

Traditional braces are incredibly effective, but may patients prefer the virtually undetectable straightening power of Invisalign. In addition to being nearly invisible, Invisalign:

Can be easily removed for cleaning and eating

Makes the home hygiene routine a cinch

Allows you to monitor the progress of your teeth

Is comfortable, with smooth aligners that don’t poke or irritate the gums and cheeks like metal wires can

Can straighten teeth in less time than metal braces

Who Should Wear Invisalign?

Brides to be, young adults, teenagers, professionals--Invisalign is perfect for all ages and backgrounds!

It is most effective in correcting minor imperfections, such as crooked teeth, spacing or overcrowding, and gaps in between the teeth.

Orthodontic Dentistry In Elm Grove

Straightening teeth for a radiant smile can be an affordable option for you and your children! Please give Honest Teeth a call at (262) 784-7770 if you’d like to schedule a consultation for your family. We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve the smile of your dreams!